Christmas International Mail Delivery

Question

I own a Christmas list on Yahoo! Groups called Christmasville. It's a group of 300 members that exchange Christmas cards during the holidays. I have many members who live outside the US, including Canada, Germany, and the UK. I am trying to set deadlines for when they should have their Christmas cards mailed out. I have tried to search dates, but no luck. I have "heard" that postal mail during the holidays can be delayed for weeks overseas. I am just trying to set some deadline dates, (as in make sure your cards are in the mail by such and such date) from USA to Canada, UK, Germany, just to ensure everyone gets their cards BEFORE Christmas Day. Any help would be great. Thank you in advance. :)

Answer 1

The US postal service has some deadlines for various countries.  It sounds like a fun group you have made there.  Since none of your members are in Saudi Arabia or Iraq, the USPS would say the deadline for sending cards (not packages) to Europe would be December 1st.

Answer 2

Well I know a lot of times overseas mail gets lost so try to send it out in middle/late November that way it will get to them by the first week in December or earlier and that way they can try to send it again. Good luck, sounds like a lot of fun!  

Answer 3

Oh yes packages can get delayed a long time when it comes to the holidays. So I would say get them out no latter then Nov. That will give you time to make sure they get there and are not lost. Why not add Don't open till christmas so even if they get there early they will still wait till christmas. Better Early Than Late!

Answer 4

Send them at around October/November time and write on the back "Not to be opened until Christmas Day!"

That way you can send the cards at any time near the holidays, and there not going to be opened until Christmas.

If you're looking for specific dates - I have no clue sorry. Email is so much faster and better.